I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).

I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).

Ditto. I prefer softcover for reading, but if it's a book I want to keep then I prefer hardcover.

I prefer hardcover, but sometimes you just don't have a choice. If I find a book that offers both, though, usually I get hardcvover if the price isn't outrageous since hardcover books can sometimes be double the price of softcovers, in which case I'll just get the soft cover.

Reason being is I stuff books into my backpack and too many times my softcovers have gotten ruined.

They really should also laminate all softcovers since I had one that wasn't and half the cover rubbed away. I had to laminate it myself but the damage has already been done.

I was reading a review and it listed not available in hardcover as a con that made me wonder:

Do you prefer books in hardcover or softcover (aka paperback)? Do you even have a preference?

P.S. I almost made the Freudian slip of writing
...

I was reading a review and it listed not available in hardcover as a con that made me wonder:

Do you prefer books in hardcover or softcover (aka paperback)? Do you even have a preference?

P.S. I almost made the Freudian slip of writing “hardcore” instead of “hardcover”.

I needed to reduc clutter I have a kindle now. unless I want a book REALLy bad and its not available on the kindle i would get it (like the harry potter series or nintendo guide books for pokemon) so I would only have a small collection of books. I'm actually thinking about selling all my dvds...there is no point buying them anymore is there with netflix or finding it free online to watch? unless you travel and want a few dvds to take with you or you couldn't find something specific on netflixs or free to wach online?

I prefer hardcover books. Because I don't have to worry about the binding in them going out as easily as I would a softbound book. I am not a huge fan of ebooks because they make my eyes hurt reading them too long.

If it is a larger book, I prefer hardcover, because larger books fall apart too easily in paperback. In general, however I prefer paperbacks.
I collect the works of a handful of authors and those authors I prefer to have in hardcover as well, simply because I know I will read them over and over again.

I voted softcover, since in the majority of cases I prefer it and it cheaper. I've never had a problem with softcovers not being durable enough. Although very large book like text books are better ,and usually only available, in hardcover.

It depends. Most of my books are soft. I certainly enjoy reading novels, memoirs and short plays in trade paperback. However, when I'm reading my favorite comic book series, I prefer the book to be hardcover with large, high quality paper because of the artwork. Same thing goes for coffee table books. Basically, if the book has many illustrations or photos, I want them to be hardcover.

i prefer paperbacks usually so that way i can bend the book around so i can hold it with one hand unlike a hardcover book where you can hold it with one hand but its a little harder on the wrist

This is my issue. Paper backs are just more comfortable to me. I read a lot and reading hard covers tire my wrist not to mention my fingers getting rubbed raw from holding them in a awkward way. I read A LOT. I have considered getting one of those new Kindels or something but it's just too expensive. I go to used book stores and get books for $1, so it's not practical for me.

I love hardcover books, and have those as my 'good' (read as: DO NOT get loaned out EVER) copies of certain books. But they are expensive, especially when bought new, so most of my books are paperbacks. Paperbacks are also more comfortable for reading in long stretches or on the go.

I usually prefer my books in paperback unless it's one of my favourites that I read time and time again. Then hardback is better for me because it withstands so much more accidental abuse (being tossed in bags, read at the dinner table, etc).

Ha! I was just scrolling to write this exact sentiment, but you beat me to it.